French Universities are increasingly making it compulsory for exchange students to provide proof of competency. This is the most efficient way of proving your competence level. The TCF will also give you a good gauge of your ability to integrate into a Francophone context.

Note: US universities have long required a similar test call the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for non-US nationals wishing to enroll in US universities.

What do I need to do to prepare for the test ?

VWPP recommends that you mostly prepare for the test by making sure that you enroll in appropriate courses recommended by your institution before you leave for Paris.

In addition, in the months preceding the exam date (generally 3-4 months before departure), you should spend as much time as you can by building your general vocabulary and taking practice tests.

The semester before you plan to leave for France, make sure you attend any workshops offered by your university to help you hone your French linguisitic skills.

Where can I find practice tests ?

There are several practice tests available online. We recommend the practice tests on the following Web site:

You should take the TCF at least a month to six weeks before you plan to leave for France. So students who wish to participate in the program during the fall semester or for the year should take the test during the preceding spring semester and students who wish to participate in the program in the spring semester should take the test during the preceding fall semester

How many times can I take the TCF?

Students cannot retake the TCF within 60 days of an attempt.

How do I register for the TCF exam ? Where is it held ?

If you are a Vassar or Wesleyan student, your department will send you exam registration information at the appropriate moment. The exam will be held on campus – both Vassar and Wesleyan University are accredited TCF exam centers.

What are the test dates ?

Please check the announcement on the right of this page for current information for dates this exam is offered on Vassar College and Wesleyan University campuses.

I am not a student at Vassar College or Wesleyan University. How can I register for the TCF exam ?

If you are not a Vassar or Wesleyan student, you have the option of registering for the TCF at either Vassar or Wesleyan University test centers. If this is not convenient, click on the following link to find an accredited test center near you :

NOTE: If you choose to take the test at a center other than at Vassar or Wesleyan, be sure to indicate the date and place of your exam to VWPP staff (the office to which you sent your application).

What is the cost of taking the TCF?

VWPP will cover the cost of the exam for Vassar and Wesleyan Students. Please note, should you not participate in VWPP, the cost of the exam will be billed to your student account.

I am not a Vassar or Wesleyan student. What is the cost of TCF?

If you take the TCF at either Vassar or Wesleyan centers, your cost will be covered by VWPP.

If you take the TCF at another center, you will be reimbursed up to 43 euros once you arrive in Paris. Should you decide not to participate in the VWPP, the cost of the test will not be reimbursed. In order to be reimbursed, you will need to provide a receipt to the VWPP office in Paris, so be sure to keep proof of your payment and bring it with you to Paris.

Search bar

TCF test mandatory for 2019-20 students

The Test de connaissance du Français (a French language test) is mandatory for all students participating on VWPP.

The TCF will be offered at Vassar College in the GIS Lab, Ely Hall on the following dates:

– Wednesday, May 8th, 2019
from 12 – 2:30 pm and from 3 – 5pm

The TCF will be offered at Wesleyan University in the Language Resource Center, Fisk Hall on the following dates:

– Friday, May 3rd, 2019
– Monday, May 6th, 2019

Fall 2019 – Skype Housing Interviews

April 8th: Deadline for all accepted students to submit responses to Housing questionnaire online.

Between April 19th and 30th – TBA : Housing Skype appointments with Lisa Fleury for Vassar Students. Please check with Susan Stephens at the Office of International Programs to make sure you sign up for an appropriate time.

Between April 19th and 30th – TBA : Housing Skype appointments with Lisa Fleury for Wesleyan Students and other institutions. Please check with Michael Acosta at the Office of Study Abroad to make sure you sign up for an appropriate time-slot.

April 29th: Housing questionnaire is closed for changes. Any changes after this date sent to Lisa Fleury may not be guaranteed and are subject to availability.

NB : All times are EST

Please be considerate and come to your appointment on time. All Vassar students will be interviewed in the Office of International Programs.

(Students from other schools who have been accepted should email their Skype user name to Lisa Fleury well ahead of your interview so that she can add you in her contact list.)